Governor Jay Inslee of Washington announced today that golf courses throughout the state of Washington will be allowed to reopen on May 5, 2020.
All golf courses have a general obligation to keep a safe and healthy facility in accordance with state and federal law. The Golf Alliance of Washington has worked closely with the Governor and the golf community in creating additional measures that are far outside the norm, to assure maximum social distancing and safety at all golf courses for the foreseeable future.
Golf Courses must comply with COVID-19 worksite-specific safety practices, as outlined in Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Proclamation 20-25, and in accordance with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries General Coronavirus Prevention Under Stay Home-Stay Healthy Order (DOSH Directive 1.70) and the Washington State Department of Health Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations.
Click here for a full list of requirements and guidelines for golf courses, as set forth by Governor Inslee’s office.
Golf courses should stay updated on advice from the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) “Park and Play” program.
Click here for complete updates and guidelines, as well as instructional safety videos.
Golf is widely seen as an activity that is viable and relatively low risk, however there are additional precautions that need to be in place to ensure the safety of players, golf course staff and club/course officials. In order to operate, the following requirements must be implemented at golf courses.
In these unprecedented times, with the COVID-19 threat affecting all aspects of life as we know it, golf is available as an outlet for people to exercise and provides one of the few respites from the confines of home. With vast areas of open space containing green grass, ponds and trees, a golf course provides the ability for social distancing in a stress-free environment. Furthermore, by golf facilities being open, it will provide economic activity and employment for those in the golf industry.
The Golf Alliance of Washington had previously sent a letter to Governor Inslee on behalf of the golf community, which detailed the many benefits of golf to an individual’s physical and mental health as well as the industry’s contributions to the economic fitness of the state. The letter also listed the many precautions and modifications golf courses have taken to ensure the safety of staff and golfers and to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Read the full letter here.
About the Golf Alliance of Washington
The Golf Alliance of Washington is comprised of the major industry associations for the region, including Washington Golf, Club Managers Association-Evergreen Chapter, Pacific Northwest Section PGA, and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America-Western Washington and Inland Empire Chapters.
The Alliance is committed to doing all it can to support its constituents by being a resource of information and a clearinghouse of best practices that will provide guidance to any and all facilities, operators, golf professionals, club officials and stewards of the game.
The Golf Alliance of Washington funds a lobbyist in Olympia, Wash. to keep it apprised of any political initiatives that may have an impact on the state’s golf industry.
Visit golfallianceofwashington.org for more information.